Rivals revealed as Moray Firth seeks top ‘small station’ Sony

INVERNESS-based radio station, Moray Firth Radio, now knows who it is up against in the race to be chosen ‘best small station’ at the ‘Oscars’ of the UK radio industry – the Sony Radio Academy Awards.

Last month, the station fought off Central FM and Shmu FM to be chosen top Scottish station with a potential reach of no more than 300,000 adults.

And now, Sonys organisers, the Radio Academy, have announced the full shortlist for the ‘nations and regions’ prize, one of a number of categories up for grabs at its annual awards ceremony, taking place on May 10.

Said the judges when choosing Moray Firth to represent Scotland: “It is clear that this station has made a real connection with its community. For a station of its size it is impressively professional. This is due to the quality of the station imaging and production values.

“The message in the on air content is clear: whatever is happening in the local area, you would hear on this radio station. Their local news coverage is outstanding as is their ability to adapt their programming to reflect and respond to these. Listener interaction and a mature, responsible approach to sensitive local news stories is a real strength and something larger stations could certainly aspire to. An excellent entry.”

The full list of ‘nations and regions’ winners reads:

Scotland

Moray Firth Radio

Northern Ireland

BBC Radio Foyle

East Anglia

North Norfolk Radio

East Midlands

Rutland Radio

London

Resonance 104.4 FM

North East

Radio Teesdale

North West

Manx Radio

South

Andover Sound 106.4

South East

Banbury Sound

South West

BBC Radio Guernsey

Yorkshire

106.9FM WHCR

Judges in two Radio Academy branches, Wales and the Midlands, declined to make an award citing “a lack of suitable entries”.